How Can the Jazz beat the Suns?
The Utah Jazz will be lacking some key contributors in this matchup, which will only make it harder for them when they face off against the Suns. Containing Phoenix on the offensive side of the ball, while taking care of it themselves, is their path to victory.
The Suns, despite having the fifth-best three-point shooting team in the NBA, rank second overall in two-point field goals made. Through their screenplay and ball movement, the Suns rank first in the league in field-goal percentage at 47.6% per game.
For the Jazz to steal a victory, they must pressure the Suns’ ball-handlers and find extra opportunities. If they allow Phoenix to dictate the tempo, they won’t be able to win.
Jazz Key Player: (G) Mike Conley
The Utah Jazz have been struggling without the offensive contributions of Donovan Mitchell. While pieces like Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert must be productive, it is veteran point guard Mike Conley who needs to put his teammates in positions to succeed.
In his last game, Conley struggled to initiate the offence. He posted just 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 29 minutes of play. While he has been solid on the defensive end, he must be more impactful to the offence in the absence of Donovan Mitchell.
Against a Phoenix Suns team with one of the toughest defensive standards in the NBA, Conley needs to help the Jazz move the ball. If he can’t encourage the Jazz to overcome the Suns defence with passing, it’ll be a difficult night.
How Can the Suns beat the Jazz?
The Phoenix Suns won’t have an easy time taking down the Utah Jazz. Injuries have ruined the Jazz during their recent run, but that doesn’t mean they’ve failed to be competitive. If there’s a place the Suns need to control, it’s on the glass.
The Utah Jazz are a one of the league’s best rebounding teams, ranking third overall with an average of 36.3 rebounds per game. Simply put, the Jazz lose the rebounding battle by a margin of 1.2, and average 5.7 fewer rebounds, in losses.
The pressure will be on the Suns big men DeAndre Ayton and Bismack Biyombo to control the glass. Rudy Gobert will be difficult to handle, so look for the Suns backcourt to do their share on the boards too.
Suns Key Player: (G) Chris Paul
Perennial All-Star Chris Paul is coming off of another fantastic game where he orchestrated the Phoenix offence to another victory. When Paul takes on the Utah Jazz, he’ll be up against a much tougher perimeter defence.
In his last game, a win over the Pacers, Paul was a plus-12 while posting 18 points, 16 assists, and 4 rebounds. His efficiency ensured the Suns’ victory, shooting 8 of 11 from the field in 40 minutes of play.
Paul’s reliability has been key to Phoenix’s success. Against a group of some excellent perimeter defenders, the Suns All-Star will need to be just as effective.
Take a look at NBA Championship predictions, here!
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